Aldosterone in cystic fibrosis: measurement in saliva and correlation with disease severity.

Aldosterone was measured in the saliva of 20 patients with cystic fibrosis and a group of 20 normal children matched for age and sex. Mean levels were higher in the patient group but overall differences were small and statistically not significant. For the first time a link between aldosterone level and disease severity in patients with cystic fibrosis was established using a simple scoring system to assess disease activity.

Measurement of osmolality and sodium concentration in heated-cup sweat collections for the investigation of cystic fibrosis.

A new system (Wescor) for sweat collection and analysis was examined with respect to its suitability for the investigation of children suspected to have cystic fibrosis. The effects of iontophoresis current, sweat collection time, sweat storage and analysis were examined, and as a result the technique was modified to allow collection and storage of sufficient sweat for sodium and potassium as well as osmolality assays in 10-20 minutes. The small electrodes and speed of the procedure make it practical for use with small children, with a reproducibility of 13-24% (coefficient of variation for whole procedure).

Ceftazidime in cystic fibrosis: clinical, microbiological and immunological studies.

We have investigated the use of the new cephalosporin ceftazidime for the treatment of pseudomonas infection in cystic fibrosis, using 100 to 240 mg/kg intravenously daily. The clinical and microbiological results of 18 courses of therapy, lasting from 1 to 4 weeks have been satisfactory, particularly since the patients had previously proved refractory to treatment with most other appropriate antibiotics. However, in common with other anti-pseudomonal antibiotics, a first course of ceftazidime proved the most successful, subsequent courses being less effective.

Serum alphafetoprotein in cystic fibrosis of the pancreas.

Serum alphafetoprotein concentrations were measured by three different types of radioimmunoassay in 30 patients with cystic fibrosis of the pancreas and in 55 controls. The highest value obtained in cystic patient was 10.2 ng/ml and in a control 10.